LBPD warning public about utility scams

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is alerting residents about recent reports of people falsely representing themselves as utility workers as a ruse to commit burglary.
In the scam, the bogus workers are apparently targeting homes to burglarize when no one is expected to be home or working as a team to distract the occupant and burglarize the home.
The following information is provided to allow residents to confirm that they are interacting with Long Beach City employees:
• Utility employees are identifiable by their uniform and are required, upon request, to show a City-issued identification card
• Customer contact is made either in person by a uniformed employee or through a form that is left in a prominent location on the property. The form provides a contact number to inquire about the work scheduled or to reschedule the work at a more convenient time
• If residents have any doubt, they are encouraged to call the appropriate department to verify the legitimacy of the employee:
Long Beach Gas and Oil– (562) 570-2140 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Long Beach Water Department– (562) 570-2300 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Residents are advised to keep gates to back yards locked and secure at all times and to immediately report suspicious activity, including loiterers, to the Long Beach Police Department by calling 9-1-1 with a suspect description.